Annual Special Olympics fundraiser taking place in JC

You have until noon Thursday to contribute to the annual Cops on Top fund-raising drive for Special Olympics.

Sgt. Randy Werner of the Jefferson City Police Department, Capt. John Wheeler of the Cole County Sheriff's Department, Corporal Mike Halford of the Missouri Highway Patrol and Lt. Charlie Davis with the Missouri Department of Corrections began their time on top of the exercise area of the Double Tree Hotel on Monroe Street at 6 a.m. Wednesday.

For many years the event was held on the Coke billboard on at the Coca-Cola building off of the Whitton Expressway, but it was moved the year because of roof work at that building.

The group hopes to raise awareness and funding for Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run program.

They are particularly out to raise awareness of the Special Olympics Missouri signature event, the Polar Bear Plunge, which will be held Saturday in Osage Beach.

Werner and others will participate in the "Super Plunge" where they will plunge 24 times in 24 hours.

All proceeds stay in the central area and benefit Special Olympic athletes.